Nedumkandam is a town situated in Idukki district of the South Indian state of Kerala. It is the headquarters of Udumbanchola taluk. Nedumkandam is among the fastest growing towns in the Idukki district. It has evolved as a major township for the neighboring villages with facilities such as hospitals, educational institutions, banks, government offices etc. The town is well known for its production of spices like cardamom and pepper.
History of Nedumkandam
The town is known as the land of migratory farmers. As per history, most of the people of this town have migrated from Central Travancore areas like Kottayam, Palai, Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha in search of better agricultural land in the 1960s to 1980s period.
Location of Nedumkandam
The town lies in between the Periyar Tiger reserve/Thekkady and the hill station of Munnar. It is nestled 3200 feet above sea level. It extends a stretch of approx. 3 km.
Economy of Nedumkandam
Agriculture is the backbone of Nedumkandam. The main sources of economy are pepper and cardamom. In addition to this, there are wide verities of other cash crops cultivated in small scales.
Educational Institutes of Nedumkandam
Nedumkandam has established a number of schools and colleges to impart education. The names of the primary schools are Panchayath Upper Primary School, Sacred Heart English Medium School, St. Mary`s L P School, St. Thomas L P School, and SNDP L P School Pachady. The higher secondary schools are St. Sebastians Higher Secondary School, MES Higher Secondary School, Holy Cross Senior Secondary School, Vijaya Matha Senior Secondary School, Govt. Vocational Higher Secondary School and Govt. Higher Secondary School. The colleges of this place are M.E.S College, College of Applied Science (IHRD), M. G University College of Teacher Education, Govt. Polytechnic College, S.M.E Nursing School, Karuna Nursing School and Co Operative College. Nedumkandam has two research centers namely Indian Cardamom Research Institute and Kerala University`s institute of cardamom research.
Places of Interest at Nedumkandam
There are several religious spots at Nedumkandam which are frequented by both local and distant people. Some of the holy sites are St Sebastians Forane Church, Shree Krishna Temple, Noor Muhammadiya Juma Masjid, Town Masjid, Taqwa Masjid Kalkoonthal, Uma Maheswara Temple, St. Marys Church, Shree Mahadeva Temple Kavunthi, Subrahmanya Temple Kallar, St. Jude Church Kailasapara and many others. There are also a number of picnic spots in the nearby areas like Ramakkalmedu, Kailasapara, Thooval falls, Kallumekallu, Mankuthimedu, Neyyandimala and many others.